Our advice and tips in case of a car accident alone

On the road, a car accident can happen quickly; and although in most cases accidents involve two or more vehicles, it can happen that only one vehicle is involved. In fact, a driver can collide with an animal, run off the road, lose control of his vehicle and tear down the fence of a residence, have an object hit the parked vehicle, etc. But while it is obvious that a report must be filled out between motorists who have been involved in an accident, what should we do when only our vehicle is involved? Spinelli Group tells you more!

What insurance coverages are available?

All insurance contracts can be divided into 2 parts: public liability insurance, which is mandatory, and optional coverage. The first part, third party liability insurance, is a minimum of $50,000 (set by the Quebec Automobile Insurance Act) although most of the time, coverage varies between $1 and $2 million, especially if you are travelling outside the province. This protection covers damage caused to others or to the property of others with your vehicle, also commonly known as “one-way” car insurance. Damage to your vehicle is not covered.

The second part—optional coverages—includes all the coverages you can add to your insurance policy: Collision and Upset, All Perils except Collision and Upset (which includes, but is not limited to, broken glass, theft, collision with an animal, etc.) and specific perils (which differ depending on your policy). With these coverages, you will be insured “two ways” and you will have to pay a deductible ranging from $0 to $1000, depending on what options you have chosen.

Non-road and road accidents

What if your carport flies away and scratches your car or breaks a window? If you have purchased All Perils except Collision coverage, you will be covered for the damage. And what about hitting a deer? All Perils except Collision coverage will compensate you. And if after a loss of control you hit a wall or something else, you'll be covered under the Collision and Upset protection.

What to do if you are in a car accident alone?

Whether you are in a car accident alone or with another vehicle, it is important to contact your insurer to find out whether or not the damage is covered under your contract. However, you should be aware that your insurer is not responsible for any costs related to possible injuries; this coverage is the responsibility of the SAAQ, which will compensate you under the “no-fault” insurance plan for bodily injury. Regardless of whether or not they are responsible, all drivers in Quebec are covered by this plan.

Whether you live in Montreal, Laval or elsewhere in Quebec, the important thing is to have insurance coverage that meets your needs; don't hesitate to modify your coverage if your needs change over the years, in order to benefit from maximum coverage!